Keir Starmer Presses Boris Johnson on Curfew Science at Prime Minister’s Questions

The government still won’t provide evidence for the hospitality curfew

Keir Starmer referred to “deeply held views” on the 10 p.m. hospitality curfew as he pressed Boris Johnson on whether or not there is a scientific basis for the rule before a vote this coming Monday 12 October. Johnson was entirely unable to answer the question, instead referring to Labour’s apparent lack of robustness in supporting coronavirus restrictions.

Johnson said that the reason for the curfew was “reducing the spread of the virus.” There was going to be a vote on the curfew tonight, 7 October, but such is the discord within the Conservative Party surrounding the measures, it is now waiting in the wings for next week. Starmer’s line of questioning could set up Labour MPs to vote against the measure themselves, with the government — particularly Hancock and Johnson — now under severe pressure to prove not just that it is working, but that it was designed on the promise that it would work.

And in other news...

• More on the expected revolt from Conservative MPs against the hospitality curfew.
• How restaurants are responding to that curfew.
• Great British Bake Off Bread Week wasn’t all that great.
• An updated guide to the best sushi in London.
• Swish Mayfair bar Momo is opening a Los Angeles-influenced diner. [Hot Dinners]
• Good tweet: